Rose Mosaic
Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), Arabis mos...
8 host plants · Viral
Last updated
Rose mosaic virus causes mottling and discoloration of rose foliage, affecting plant appearance. Remove infected roses and replant with virus-tested stock. Control aphid vectors to prevent spread. This disease is best managed through prevention and removal. These viral conditions are spread by insect vectors. Control the insect population to limit disease spread Early detection and prompt management of symptoms help limit disease spread.
Purchase stock that is clean and/or certified as tested and free of all known viruses. Remove and destroy infected plants.
Quick Reference
Management
Newly grafted plants and actively growing shoot tips are most vulnerable to symptom development. Plants are susceptible to infection year-round if exposed to infected plant material (through root contact or grafting). Virus establishment in rootstock is permanent; vulnerability windows are more about symptom expression than new infection. Susceptible cultivars ('Madame Butterfly', 'Ophelia', 'Rapture') show symptoms earlier and more severely than less susceptible varieties.
Symptoms vary widely and are influenced by time of year, temperature, and specific virus(es) involved. Cool to moderate temperatures enhance symptom visibility. Characteristic symptoms include chlorotic line patterns (zigzag), ringspots, and mottles appearing sometime during the growing season. Yellow netting and yellow mosaic patterns may also develop. Spring is the most typical period for symptom expression. Viruses can reside latently in rootstock or scion without showing symptoms.
Cultural Controls
- Purchase stock that is certified virus-tested and free of all known viruses. PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
- Remove and destroy infected plants. The disease will not spread unless propagated from or onto an infected bush. PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
- Heat-treat scion stock plants 4 weeks at 100°F before grafting to eliminate viruses. PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
- Avoid propagating from virus-infected mother plants (35% reduction in rooting reported). Golino et al. 2011
Host Plants (8)
Sources & References
Primary: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
- Rose Mosaic — PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook (April 2026)
- Golino, D.A., Sim, S.T., Cunningham, M., and Rowhani, A. 2011.